iOS 26 Beta 2: Refinements in Control Center, New Ringtones, and Enhanced Recovery Mode

The second developer beta for iOS 26 is now available, arriving two weeks after the first beta release at WWDC 2025. This iteration, identified by build number 23A5276f, builds upon the initial release by addressing bugs and improving the visual aspects of the operating system. Notable changes include a refined Control Center with a darker design and enhanced blur, alongside updates to the ‘Glass’ wallpaper and the return of model-specific iPhone wallpapers. Messages now uses blue badges to differentiate alerts from unknown senders. A new ringtone, ‘Alt 1,’ has been added to the settings for customization. Further enhancements include a live radio widget for Apple Music, and a more user-friendly Safari ‘More’ button. The update also introduces a Recovery Assistant to help with device startup issues. This feature provides real-time instructions and troubleshooting steps, even enabling device restoration via another iOS or iPadOS device, reducing the reliance on a Mac or PC. Bug fixes target UI glitches in various apps, including Apple TV, Messages, Mail, and Photos. Although the beta incorporates new features like expanded Foundation Models framework capabilities and ‘Accessibility Nutrition Labels’ in the App Store, multiple known issues remain present in areas like CarPlay and ARKit. The public release of iOS 26 is anticipated later this year, with additional beta versions planned in the coming weeks.